Sports

Bored Without the Patriots this Sunday? Check Out these NFL Matchups Instead

Some games to watch this Sunday while waiting for the Pats and Chiefs to square off on Monday.

Even though the Patriots are off this Sunday (they're prepping for their Monday night matchup with Kansas City), there is still some NFL action to take in.

Here's some things to watch for at the games today.

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins (CBS, 1pm): This will be the CBS early game for our area today, and it's an important one in the AFC East division race.

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That does not, however, mean it will be a fun game to watch.

The Bills are still in the chase, but have faded after their hot start. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has come to Earth and, without their offense scoring profilically, their defense (29th in yards allowed, 23rd in points allowed) continues to be a problem.

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Miami, alternately, has been on a hot streak, winning two in a row after losing seven to start the season. Former second overall pick Reggie Bush has seen a bit of a resurgance as of late (he's scored three times in the past two games).

If you can stomach what will likely be error-riddled football, this is the matchup that will most affect the Patriots. Pats fans will have to root for the Dolphins to pull the upset. Not sure I see that happening, though.

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens (1pm): This is an interesting matchup, and not just because it's a fight between AFC North division rivals.

Cincinnati and Baltimore have been among the top teams in a notably wide-open AFC this year. The Bengals have surprised those who predicted disaster because the team opened the year with a rookie quarterback (Andy Dalton) and number-one receiver (A.J. Green). Nevertheless, Cincinnati has ridden a stong defense and error-free play from Dalton to playoff contention. If the season ended today, they'd be the Patriots' playoff opponents.

The Ravens have found themselves in a familar place — behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the division. They've beaten the Steelers twice, but have fallen to some very bad teams (Seattle and Jacksonville). They've also dealt the Patriots their second most recent playoff defeat.

Are the Bengals capable of upsetting a good team, or can they only defeat inferior teams? Can the Ravens be consistently good (hint: using Ray Rice more might help), or are they fundamentally flawed?

San Diego Chargers at Chicago Bears (CBS, 4:15pm): This is about the time the Chargers start playing well, and not a moment too soon — they actually have some competition in the AFC West this year.

San Diego has been a frequent New England playoff foe, and they have the personnel to pose a challenge to the Patriots (big, fast wide receivers (Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd) and a quarterback (Philip Rivers) who loves to throw deep). The Pats, true, did defeat them early this year, but the Chargers usually become a different team after sleepwalking through September and October. They might be a problem if they're allowed back into AFC contention.

The Bears, though, are looking to ensure that doesn't happen. In a rare moment of sanity, offensive coordinator Mike Martz realized that their early-season gameplan (have Jay Cutler take deep drops behind a suspect O-line) wasn't working, so he's moved to a more Matt Forte-focused attack.

Their defense, as usual, is stout. If it can force some turnovers from a mistake-prone Chargers offense, San Diego will be in trouble — both in the game and the playoff race.

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants (8:30pm, NBC): The Eagles are in desperate straits, as they need to start piling up wins to get into the playoff picture. Despite Philly's undeniable talent at the skill positions, they're only 3-6 on the year. Turnovers and red-zone problems have kept this one-time division favorite from living up to its hype. Oh yeah, and they face the Pats next week.

The Giants, coming off a loss to the 49ers, are looking to put a stranglehold on the NFC East. They feature a powerful pass rush (as New England fans will remember) and an offense that, though prone to hot and cold streaks, often scores enough points to win.

Though Mike Vick will be absent for this one, it's worth watching. The Patriots will either see a rejuvenated Eagles team still alive in the race, or an utterly demoralized one playing for pride.


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